2 wire vs. 3 wire trim/tilt motor.....

[MattinTally]

I replaced the midsection on my '88 90hp 3Cyl motor with the mid section from a '92 75hp motor...... BUT..... when I went to re-attach all of the wiring, I found out the "new" trim.tilt is a 2-wire motor, whereas I had a 3-wire previously. I read the manual and determined the 2-wire unit uses relays mounted on the side of the block. I checked my parts motor and the relays are already gone.

Other than purchasing expensive relays ($40 each), is there any way to wire this? My only other option is to take the trim/tilt off my "old" midsection -- which does work, but has a minor leak.

Any advice?

 

[RRitt]

Re: 2 wire vs. 3 wire trim/tilt motor.....

relays bought in bulk are about $2 each, $3 for waterproof. Somebody somewhere will be willing to sell them for $5 or $6 each. If you really, really, REALLY just have to have the special quicksilver plastic bag then I would be happy to sell some of my empty ones for $32 each. Put the $5 relay in it and save yourself a few dollars.

2w with relays is a better set up than 3w with direct switch. It is worth the effort.

 

[MattinTally]

Re: 2 wire vs. 3 wire trim/tilt motor.....

OK. Will any 'ole harness work? I literally just have the 2 leads coming of the trim motor...... I need relays AND the harness...... There's used ones on eBay, but they are for newer & higher HP motors..... Will they still work?

 

[sschefer]

Re: 2 wire vs. 3 wire trim/tilt motor.....

OK. Will any 'ole harness work? I literally just have the 2 leads coming of the trim motor...... I need relays AND the harness...... There's used ones on eBay, but they are for newer & higher HP motors..... Will they still work?

Harness part nr. 819514A15 is the same for most all motors through 2006. It's the same one that I have on my 200 mid... Nope sorry, already spoken for. $37.44 on boats.net. Get your relays at Napa auto parts.

 

[RRitt]

Re: 2 wire vs. 3 wire trim/tilt motor.....

OK. Will any 'ole harness work? I literally just have the 2 leads coming of the trim motor...... I need relays AND the harness...... There's used ones on eBay, but they are for newer & higher HP motors..... Will they still work?

Yes, any old harness will work. You should be able to find a used one on Ebay for about $10. Stick with Mercury, mariner, Force and you should be fine. Once you have relays, the size of wire from console switch back to outboard is not important. It is just relay control wire instead of power wire. 18-24AWg is fine for boats under 30ft.